Beatrix Potter exhibit in Nashville - a favorite children's book author & illustrator of mine!
May our Lord who gives us light, illuminate eternal realities of the dream dwelling within Himself, and show us the path that always leads back home. May it be so.
]]>Good morning, friend! Summer is nearer, kiddos are wrapping up school, days are fast and slow all at once. I've been wrapping up my own sorts of projects and new things coming here in my Winnefred Austin corner. The busyness has been real, and I've been out of town more than in town it seems. Now that I've put the last suitcase away and folded the laundry mountain, the Lord tapped my shoulder with a friendly, "Howdy!" from my neighbor.
Maybe it’s true we don’t pick our neighbors, but I’m convinced the Lord picks them on purpose.
And sometimes, He shows us exactly what loving our neighbors looks like. This time, I was the recipient. These are moments I don't want to miss.
So today, I planted these beautiful lily flowers she gifted me from her yard in my own backyard. Kindness grows when it’s watered, much like these magenta blooms. Seeds are multipliers, and I'm taking note.
What’s more? Lilies remind me of the sweetest promise Jesus gives us in Matthew 6 — Do not worry. Today is enough for today, and tomorrow is in His hands. Lilies don’t toil or spin, but live in present beauty. The unwavering kind; even in the mist of all the things life brings. Thank You, Jesus, for this gift.
Make a neighbor smile today!
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31 NLT
For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17
God came to us through His Son, Jesus. We have so much to make a joyful noise about in Him! Merriest Christmas. Thank you for joining us this Advent season here on the blog. Sending joy for this new year and many more blessings to come!
Let’s pray together.
Lord Jesus, on the dawning of this Christmas morning, I am so grateful for Your light and Your coming. Shine out this day and forevermore through me, a vessel to share Your love for others to see! Amen.
Merry Christmas Eve morning! I don't know what this day feels like in your corner, but we are bundled up silly here, riding out the coldest temperatures I think I've ever felt at Christmas. The last few days leading up to Christmas always feel full - full of so many fun things and to-do's that tie everything up with a bow.
This week has been different for me. The frigid negative temperatures and thin (but gnarly) layer of ice outside took everything down a level - back to perhaps what truly matters - taking in the little things this season brings and holding fast to why we celebrate. All the while, thinking of those who don't have warm homes and food in the pantry. There's something about a sudden drastic change in temperature (topped with a power outage) that reawakens awareness and sparks gratitude.
How cold was it on that Holy Night in a drafty stable? We don't have any details about a baby parka or boots, let alone a central heating system. I don't imagine the surroundings felt tropical. And yet, on this dark, chilly night, light shone and warmed the weary world. The Gift far greater than we could ever give was born!
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. James 1:17
I don't want to get so caught up in all the things that I miss the fullness of the true Gift. Jesus came to us, a baby born in least expected circumstances, so we could always be with our God. This howling Tennessee winter wind all but echos the joys of those who first met Jesus manger-side. Here on this chilly morning and on this Christmas Eve night, we too have so much to make a joyful noise about in Him!
Let's pray together.
Jesus, You are my good and perfect Gift from above. Sent by God, You came to save me. On this Christmas Eve, I am so very grateful. Let all the verses and promises from Your Word that I read during this Advent season remain in my heart in this new year. In Your Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Jesus, You are my gift given by God from above. He sent You to live out His great love! Work in my heart to tell about You in this new year to come, for in You alone my joy and peace come from! Amen.
]]>Have you ever tried reading Old Testament verses through Mary's eyes? What did Mary think about it after her encounter with the angel, Gabriel?
Isaiah 26 is steeped in comfort and promise. Flip there in your Bible and read it with Mary's soon-to-be mother eyes. For those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough (v.7). Could her responses of obedience (I am the Lord's servant, Luke 1:38) and praise (My soul magnifies the Lord, Luke 1:46) have increased from remembering God's promise and many prophecies recounted in Scripture of the Messiah coming to the world? She was written into those stories!
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! Lord, we show our trust in You by obeying Your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify Your Name (Isaiah 26:3 and 8).
I find myself turning to God's Word again and again in change, joy, waiting, need, and all the other things life brings. Imagine Mary pouring over His Word after Gabriel's news about Jesus. Yes, He's the One! And me, Mary, I am His mother. I am chosen to carry out this work. Me! A young, lowly, unmarried girl from no place special.
Mary's joy rang out into a song, called Mary's Magnificat, in Luke 1:46-45. Her perfect peace and perfect joy came from God alone, and her praise overflowed!
For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. Luke 1:48-50.
Let's pray together.
Lord Jesus, You are my perfect peace. In the busyness of these days, in the expectations of my heart, let it all rest at Your feet. You alone give me everything I need. In Your Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Jesus, You are perfect peace and joy! You give it lovingly to every girl and boy! Fill my heart to the tippy-top brim. In Your Name, Amen.
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"I will sing of the Lord's unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of Your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens." Psalm 89:1
This world feels ever changing, but this Christmas our hope in the Lord is and always will be steadfast. These two things we know for sure: His unfailing love lasts forever, and His faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. What's our response? Rejoicing! Heaven wouldn't stay silent, and neither can we. We have so much to make a joyful noise about in Jesus!
Let's pray together.
Lord, Your unfailing love lasts forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. Thank You for these steadfast promises this Christmas. Keep them deep in my heart as this new year comes soon. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear Lord, thank You for Your unfailing love, and unending faithfulness sent from above. Keep these promises close to my heart this Advent season, rejoicing in all I celebrate for You are the very reason! Amen.
]]>When the wisemen saw the star, they were filled with joy! They had journeyed night upon night. Perhaps they felt like they would be looking forever. And then, they found the place. Finally! Could their joy overflow any more than in that moment? Yes. Glory be! Their joy turned to worship when they went inside and found Jesus there.
Same with us. When we seek, open doors, and find Jesus, our joy turns into worship! We can't wait outside the stable. True relationship with Jesus lives inside.
"When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. They opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." Matthew 2:10-11
The shepherds and the wisemen came from very different backgrounds. Different jobs. Different homes. Different lifestyles. And yet, when Jesus came into their lives, both the shepherds and wisemen worshipped Him. It makes me wonder as people, were they really that different after all? And that's something I'm thinking about this Christmas as we celebrate near and far. Jesus brings us together, and maybe, just maybe, we too are not that different after all. And for that, we have so much to make a joyful noise about in Him!
Let's pray together.
Jesus, true relationship with You lives inside, not outside the stable. I am so grateful You bend down to know me. As Christmas day draws ever close, take my heart back to the wisemen's journey and their joy that overflowed to worship. May this be the posture of my heart as I seek You. In Your Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear Jesus, the wisemen's hearts were filled with joy, so much bigger than any gift or toy! Their joy turned to worship when they met You. Help my heart this Christmas to worship You too! Amen.
]]>And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9
The Magi, or wisemen, followed the star to Bethlehem. Different from the angel-visited shepherds, King Herod sent the wisemen to find Jesus. Who were these men? How is their story different from the shepherds? What did they have in common? Today and tomorrow, we'll find out more.
A handy footnote in my NLT Bible notes these wisemen are also known as royal astrologers, which in Greek reads Magi. Sent by a "deeply disturbed" (Matt. 2:3) King Herod, the wisemen went to find Jesus for him. Why? King Herod claimed he wanted to worship Him too, but we know that wasn't actually the case. And as we'll read tomorrow, the wisemen's response to meeting Jesus is the exact opposite of what Herod truly thought of Him.
I can't help but think following the light in the sky to the Light of the world lit up something within the wisemen's hearts. A sort of transformation happens from Herod's sending to Jesus' meeting. Like the wisemen, I want to keep my eyes fixed upward, looking for light. Jesus, the Light of the world, goes ahead of me and guides me. And in Him there is fullness of joy!
Let's pray together.
Dear God, Your goodness was on display in star-shaped light those nights the wisemen traveled to Bethlehem. All the while, their journey meant more than seeking. It marked new beginning. Thank You for always working in and through my own seeking. I trust You are faithful to Your promises! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Jesus, just as the wisemen followed the north star shining bright, would I follow You day and night! Let Your light shine out through me, for my friends and family all to see. In Your Name, Amen.
]]>When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see the thing that was happened, which the Lord has told us about." Luke 2:15
Good news of great joy propelled the shepherds into action. A visit from heaven and a pinch of curiosity sent the shepherds to go and see for themselves. Isn't that what Jesus does? He invites us to come and see. He tugs at our hearts to lean in and find out more. Even so as a baby, Jesus brought the shepherds near. And these early seekers were just the beginning.
Let's pray together.
Dear Lord, thank You for pulling at my heart to come and see. Like the shepherds, may I never lose wonder to continually seek You. Thank You for making room for me so I may always be where You are. Help me to share this good news with others. In Your Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Jesus, as the shepherds went to meet You, open my heart to continually seek You too! Help me to share Your goodness with others, especially with all my sisters and brothers. Amen.
]]>Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others - the armies of heaven - praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." Luke 2:13-14
What was the response to the angel's news of Jesus' birth? JOY! Shouts of praise glorying God came straight from heaven. What a beautiful sight and sound to be held in that moment. Heaven couldn't keep quiet; the joy overflowed! Glory to God, and peace to His children. Even so today. May we hold this heavenly moment ever close as we celebrate Jesus' coming. We have so much to make a joyful noise about in Him!
Let's pray together.
Jesus, You are my cause for joy. All glory and honor belongs to You. When I read these words from Luke, I am reminded of the awe and wonder this moment brings even today. You were born! This good news brought abundant joy and hope, and by Your grace it still does. Joy and hope are not lost. Thank You, Lord! In Your Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear Jesus, angels from heaven came to celebrate You; a joyful noise and a glorious tune! Keep my heart's song fixed on Your love, a blessed gift sent from above. Amen.
]]>And you will recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. Luke 2:12
The angel gave the shepherds a sign so they would know exactly who Jesus was. I love the visual wrapped into these words, though at the time they probably seemed a little strange. "Lying in a manger?" perhaps they thought amongst themselves. "The Messiah is sleeping in an animal feeding trough?" What could it mean? How is this possible? We'll see what they do next in a few days, but the angel's sign points them clearly. That certainly won't be hard to miss! I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for arrows and signs in my life. No matter what it may be, I want to find what points me in the right direction. And you know what? More times than not, the Lord points me back to Himself. It may sound redundant, but His Word brings me back to His heart every time. It's neither about the manger, nor the circumstances surrounding - it's all about Him! The manger was an identifier, not the identity. This idea reminds me that all the celebrations around Christmastime are just signs pointing to the true reason we celebrate: Jesus! And because of Him, we have much cause for joy.
Let's pray together.
Jesus, You are the true, constant, eternal reason I celebrate during this Advent season. All of the celebrations and preparations are signs pointing back to the heart of Your coming. Instead of stressing to get my to-do list done, may I choose to be still in Your presence. Instead of saying yes to everything, may I say yes to less things, if that means I may be more intentional and present. Instead of focusing more on the gifts I give, may I be in awe of the greatest gift You gave me: Yourself. In Your Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear Jesus, I am excited to celebrate You! Christmas Day brings good news forever true. Help me share with others the joy of Your life today, and bless this season to be sweet in every way. Amen.
]]>They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy to all people. The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:10-11
Just like Mary and Joseph, the shepherds were afraid at first when they heard the news, too. Again, the angel reassures them: the news will bring joy to all people! The shepherds were the first to know outside of the stable that the Messiah was born. The joyful news far outweighed their fear, and this joy propelled them into action. We'll read about that in a few days. As for us here and now, we have much cause for joy. Jesus came, and He will come again. What will you do about this joy today?
Let's pray together.
Dear Lord, Thank You for bringing the best kind of news. I need it, our world needs it. Jesus Christ is born! This news changed everything. Show me how to respond to this good news here and now. Help me to share joy with others! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Jesus, You bring lots and lots of joy. You love every girl and boy! Prepare my heart for Christmas day, and show me how to follow Your way. Amen.
]]>That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. Luke 2:8-9
Oh to be a shepherd in the field that night! Forget being a fly on the wall. What would it have been like to be living there in real time, working the night shift in a moon-chilled field filled with wooly, baaa-y, sheep? Shepherds' top priority was protecting the sheep from any kind of danger. Imagine their surprise when an angel appeared, and the Lord's radiance lit up the darkness surrounding them! While the rest of the village slept, the angel came to the shepherds; not a wealthy citizen or a decorated ruler. Hard-working and humble, these brave souls worked for the good of their sheep. And yet, it feels fully fitting the angel would tell them the good news of great joy first. After all, the Lamb of God, was born!
Let's pray together.
Dear Jesus, You are the perfect lamb, born a living sacrifice for me. Thank You for this gift too great for words. As Christmas day draws nearer, continually keep my eyes and heart fixed on You. May my joy and my peace be made complete in this Truth: You came, and You are coming again! Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Jesus, the angels shared news of You coming with the shepherds first that night. God's glory shone out extra bright! Thank You for the gift of Your life and love, coming down to bless us from heaven above. Amen.
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For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9 gives us an Old Testament glimpse into the Promised One to come. And I don't want to miss the bright contrast written in these three sentences.
God is sending a baby! I don't know about you, but when I think of a brand new joy bundle, I picture the sweetest, fresh from heaven little one with teeny hands and feet. (And of course, with a side of diaper changes, late nights, and sporadic sleep!) When the world expected a warrior, Jesus came a helpless baby. He needed care, mothering, and protection in His earliest days. But here's the thing: He's also fully God, so He lived a sinless life. Fully human and fully God - only Jesus could grow up to become all of these things Isaiah prophesies. How much did the world struggle to wrap its mind around a baby carrying the government's weight on His shoulders? And yet, God often works through the least, the small, the helpless, the weak, and the young. With the humblest of beginnings - stable and all - He came to us. No parades, no fancy entrances, no parties, Jesus came not to be served, but to serve as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Long before He walked this earth, the foretelling of His life was given. And today, we know how the rest of the story goes! Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. We have so much to make a joyful noise about in Him!
Let's pray together.
Dear God, there's no love greater than Yours. Thank You for sending Your Son; for making redemption through Him Your rescue plan from the beginning. All Your promises are fulfilled in Jesus. May I keep the awe Advent season brings close to my heart all year. Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Jesus, You are my Prince of Peace! Though You came to the world a baby small, You did big things for everyone, once and for all! Amen.
]]>Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of His servant David, just as He promised through His holy prophets long ago. Luke 1:68-70
Just as He promised. The connection lines drawn between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment never cease to amaze me. Through prophets, God spoke Truth yet to come as the world waited for the Messiah. All His promises are yes and amen through Jesus (His Word tells us)! Even so today for us. We have much to make a joyful noise about in Him. Jesus came, and He is coming again. Praise the Lord!
Let's pray together.
Jesus, I praise You because You came to this side of heaven. I have hope and joy overflowing from Your gift of redemption. As I celebrate Your Christmas day coming this Advent season, I eagerly await for You to come again. Your promises are forever true, and I can always trust You. In Your Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear Jesus, You keep all promises You make to me. By your grace, I am joyful and free! In Your Name, Amen.
]]>The angel said, "Joseph, descendant of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son. You will name the son Jesus. Give Him that name because He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:20-21 ICB
Don't be afraid. Just as the angel reassured Mary, Joseph needed the same. He was looking for a quiet exit plan, but the Lord had a bigger plan for his family. In humility and surrender - despite social consequences and gossip just waiting around the corner - Joseph married Mary anyway. His trust in the Lord outweighed his fear of what others thought of their story from the outside.
And there's something important for us to trace into the stories of our lives here and now. Chances are, we only see the cover or the first page. There is always more to someone else's story beyond what we might see at first glance. Would we read through a grace lens, just as we'd hope someone would for us!
The heart of Mary's story is Jesus - her son would soon come to save His people from their sins! God was bringing the long awaited Messiah to the world through her. And Joseph too was part of this story as Jesus' earthly father, pointing to the steadfast love and stay of our Heavenly Father.
In their story, we have much cause for joy - the King is coming!
Let's pray together.
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me again and again "do not fear." Help me to remember You are always writing stories with grace colored ink, and there's more than I can see at the surface. I pray for trust, peace, and joy as You write mine. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear Jesus, because of You I don't have to be afraid. You are with me in sunshine and shade! Let all I do live to honor You, and help me to share with others too! Amen.
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Picture this: Mary seemed to have her whole life ahead of her. Living that engaged girl life, was she dreaming about her ever near future married to Joseph? Was she picking out her china pattern and home essentials? Was she planning all the last minute details for celebrations? Then one conversation changed everything. All her plans changed, and yet her response is remarkable.
Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38
I am the Lord's servant. Mary's response in Luke 1:38 is a living testimony of her faith. After receiving world-rocking news; the kind that turns all plans upside down, her words breathe trust, humility, and obedience. And we can take note here. Even when it's hard, and especially when we don't understand whole picture, our hope is set in heaven. We can wholeheartedly trust the Lord because He is faithful to His promises and He is always with us.
Just before this verse, we read in verses 36-37 that Mary learns her relative Elizabeth will have a child in her old age. Another miracle - for nothing is impossible with God! Seeing another testimony of God's faithfulness seems to ignite Mary's faith all the more. Our Lord is working in the big and little details of our lives - all for His glory and our good.
We have so much to make a joyful noise about in Him!
Let's pray together.
Lord, You are in the big and little details of my life. No matter the day or the circumstance, I can always trust You are at work for Your glory and my good. Help me to have faith like Mary. May I see your faithfulness covering her story, and how it intertwines with my own. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear Lord, May I serve You here today by loving others and following Your way! Amen.
]]>Don't be afraid. Found 365 times in Scripture, we're covered in this comforting reminder each and every day of the year. In Luke 1, we read the angel is comforting Mary with these same words. Her reaction to the angel's news wasn't unjustified. Wouldn't you feel shocked too? And yet, the angel assures her all the more. Mary found favor with God and His calling for her life was full of purpose; one that would truly change the world! In all things, we too are reminded, do not fear. The Lord has purpose for us here and now. And that gives us much cause for great joy!
"Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name Him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord will give Him the throne of His ancestor David." Luke 1:30-32
Let's pray together.
Dear Lord, thank You for this precious comfort: do not fear. As you sent the angel to comfort and reassure Mary, I trust Your Word and Your presence to comfort me. Use my life and my story to encourage and comfort others as I run back to You, the God of all comfort, again and again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear Jesus, thank You for comforting me when I am afraid. I don't have to fear because You are always near! Amen.
]]>Home means different things to different people, and we all have a story tied to this one little word in some way. Maybe home feels like cinnamon rolls and matching pajamas on Christmas morning. Maybe its memories of old do not feel so warm and sweet. And that's okay, friend. Jesus meets us right where we are. John 1 tell us Jesus made His home here among us. Fully human and fully God, the living image for us to see. He knew this place was not His home, and even still He came. By Jesus living on this side of heaven and dying on the cross, our sins are paid in full. Our space in God's house is set, sealed by the Holy Spirit. All by His grace - unmerited favor wrapped in unfailing love and faithfulness. He made His home among us so we may always be at home where He is. We have so much to make a joyful noise about in Jesus!
So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son. John 1:14
Let's pray together.
Jesus, thank You for coming to me; for making room for me, so I may always be where You are. Home set in heaven; given freely on the cross and sealed by the Holy Spirit. All glory belongs to You, Lord. Help me to open my home and my heart to serve others and share Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear Jesus, You made room in God's house for me. Thank You for the gift of eternal life and making me free! Help me to share Your love with others. Amen.
]]>Isaiah 9:7 brings another Old Testament prophecy pointing to Jesus: His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all of eternity. Jesus is our prince of peace! Every promise God makes is fulfilled in Him. Yes, the commitment of the Lord of heaven's armies will make this happen! He did, and He still does! Glory be. We have so much to have a joyful noise about in Him!
"His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of heaven's armies will make this happen!" Isaiah 9:7
Let's pray together.
Lord Jesus, You are my perfect peace in all circumstances. I can always trust You lead with fairness and justice. Be near here and now, just as You always are. Help me to see what is right through Your eternal lens. May I keep my eyes fixed on You. In Your Name, amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear Jesus, thank You for giving me peace. Help me keep it in my heart and share it with my family and friends! Amen.
]]>Immanuel - God is with us. Tracing Old Testament prophecies of Jesus' coming to New Testament Scripture fulfilled always amazes me. Isaiah 7 does just that. This verse tells of the Lord giving a future sign pointing to Jesus' birth: Mary. Long before Mary was even born, God had plans far greater for her life than she could imagine. A true miracle; one only God could do. Through Mary, God sent His Son Jesus to be with us. He is our Immanuel! No matter where you are today, what you are waiting on, or what you need - Jesus' presence is a promise. By the power of the Holy Spirit, He is always with us.
"All right then, the Lord Himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive the child! She will give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us') Isaiah 7:14
Let's pray together.
Dear Jesus, Thank You for always being with me. When I trace Your faithfulness throughout my life, I see it in so many ways. In the busyness of the season, may I find stillness and awe in Your presence. Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Jesus, You are always with me. Immanuel is Your Name and in You I am free! May I keep You close in my heart at Christmastime, and remember forever You are mine! Amen.
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I would love to encourage you to open up your Bible and back it up a few verses from today's verse in 2 Corinthians 5. Starting in verse 11, the title of the section (in NLT) reads "We Are God's Ambassadors." Because of Jesus, we are made new in Him. And this? It's a gift from God; a gift we are called to share with others! Read verse 20: "So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God." In this Advent season, we not only proclaim the coming of Jesus, but we plead for our hearts and the hearts of others to come back to Him. The King is coming! May it be so.
"For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." 2 Corinthians 5:21
Dear Jesus, You are our coming King - the sinless, spotless, lamb of God. Thank you for the gift You have given me; a gift beyond words. Because of You, I am made right with God. May I always remember the depth of sacrifice Your offering is for me. Stir in me a heart bent on sharing the joy of the Gospel with others in my corner. Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear Jesus, Thank You for giving everything to save me. I pray I will always look to You and tell others about You too! Amen.
]]>Loved, chosen, adopted. You friend, and me. God's plan from the start was always rescue; always bringing us into His family through Jesus. Unmerited grace writes up the paperwork. The Holy Spirit seals it securely. What's more? God wanted it to be so. He did not have to choose us, but He absolutely does. And with pleasure! We have so much to make a joyful noise about in Him!
"Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure." Ephesians 1:4-5
Let's pray together.
Dear God, Thank You for choosing me. In this Advent season I am ever grateful for the gift of Jesus that brought me into Your family. By the Holy Spirit, You are always working on our behalf, for Your glory and our good. Help me to share Your joyful pursuit of us with others. Lead lost people to find You this Christmas I pray. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Blessing for little ones
Dear God, Thank You for giving me Jesus so I may be in Your family. Help me to share Your love with others, so they may be part of Your family too! Amen.
]]>God delights much in smallness. Time and time again we read these stories in Scripture, don't we? He uses the least of these, the sick, the outcast, the small, a stable-born baby, all for His greater plan. Even so today. You do not need the most social influence, political power, or simply the loudest voice in the room to make the biggest difference. Wherever you are here and now, look around for a moment. Your corner matters and you are there for purpose! God is always at work, especially beyond what we might see in the present. I remind myself of this daily - now let's encourage and remember together!
"But you, O Bethlehem, are only a small village among the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf." Micah 5:2
Let's pray together.
Dear God, You delight much in smallness. Your wonder working is on full display. Thank You for this Old Testament prophecy, pointing to the coming of Jesus. Every promise is fulfilled in Him, even so today. May I always keep this precious truth close at heart and mind. Amen.
Blessing for little ones:
Dear God, I may be little here today, but You are big in every way! Jesus was born a small baby in a stable, but through Him alone my salvation is able! Amen.
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